Michael Maynor Co-Publisher Editor in Chief michael@feathersandwhiskey.com
Robbie Perdue Co-Publisher
Managing Editor
robbie@feathersandwhiskey.com
Charles Reedy
Sporting + Travel Editor
Gunner Hall
Wine + Spirits Editor
Amy-Lauren Jones
Art Editor
Chelsea Gieselmann
Food Editor
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COVER ART
Lioness- Maasai Mara By Rebekah Knight
FEATHERS & WHISKEY
We are a Southern lifestyle brand dedicated to showcasing the best of the South and highlighting sporting and travel destinations globally. 'Southern Roots + Global Adventure' is not just our slogan it's ingrained in our DNA.
This Africa Edition is dedicated to the memory of
Looman Lembaranati
AFRICA EDITION
EDITOR’S DESK
A welcome letter to the 2024 Africa Edition of Feathers & Whiskey Magazine.
ELAND IN NAMIBIA
Join Micky Adcox as he fulfills a dream of taking a mature Eland bull in Namibia.
AFRICA NEEDS YOU
A family safari provides insights into the importance of hunting in conservation in Africa
DAFUSKIE ISLAND CAPE BUFFALO
Join CV Cherry on an unexpected adventure with South Carolina author and legend Roger Pickney, where a duck hunt leads to an encounter with Africa’s Black Death!
NYASA ADVENURE
Travel to Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve and learn about this magnificent wildebeest
HIDDEN STORIES IN TAXIDERMY: THE LIONS OF TSAVO
While many know the story of Patterson and the man-eating lions of Tsavo, few know about the man behind the legend.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OSA JOHNSON
Discover the story of Kansas girl Osa Johnson, who made her mark in Africa during the 1920s and 1930s, and learn about her fondness for wingshooting
GULLAH SONG
Explore the Gullah people's rich heritage in Georgia through a song that bridges the gap between the Southland and Western Africa.
LUANGWA CROCODILE
REBEKA KNIGHT
A North Carolina sportsman travels to Zambia's Luangwa Valley in pursuit of a Nile crocodile, but what should have been a routine hunt turns into a chess match in one of Africa's last truly wild places. Meet Rebekah Knight, a celebrated Missouri-based artist known for her stunning sporting and wildlife art. In this exclusive interview, she shares her artistic journey and passion for wildlife conservation.
TIGERS ON THE ZAMBIZE
Brian Smith, the Bohemian Adventurer, takes on the mighty Zambezi River, flyfishing for the fierce and sharp-toothed Tiger Fish!
SAFARI PLANNING
In the recent addition to the Southern’s Guide to Safari, Doug Pelton talks Firearms!
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Africa Edition 2024
In her book West with the Night, Beryl Markham eloquently captures the essence of Africa:
“Africa is mystic; it is wild; it is a sweltering inferno; it is a photographer's paradise, a hunter's Valhalla, an escapist's Utopia. It is what you will, and it withstands all interpretations. It is the last vestige of a dead world or the cradle of a shiny new one. To a lot of people, as to myself, it is just 'home'. It is all these things but one thing–it is never dull.”
Beryl Markham, West with the Night
Markham's words resonate deeply as they encapsulate the myriad facets of Africa.
It is a land of contrasts and profound beauty, a continent that defies simple characterization. As she wisely notes, Africa withstands all interpretations, and it is in this spirit that we present our annual Africa Edition of Feathers & Whiskey.
This July, we are proud to offer a truly special edition. Since we began our journey to explore Africa two years ago, I have imagined what our cover might look like if we had a full magazine. This year, that vision has come to life. I am thrilled to present to you the Africa Edition of Feathers & Whiskey in a complete magazine format. Though it remains digital, you can now flip through the pages as you embark on a safari with us.
In this issue, we are excited to share a rich tapestry of stories that celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of Africa. Our goal has always been to showcase all aspects of this incredible continent, not just the hunting. This edition is a celebration of Africa's culture, wildlife, landscapes, and the indomitable spirit of its people.
We have poured our hearts into creating content that we hope will educate, inspire, and transport you to the heart of Africa. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or someone who dreams of visiting one day, this edition is for you.
Thank you for being a part of our Feathers & Whiskey family. We hope you enjoy our interpretation of Africa and find as much joy in reading this issue as we did in creating it.
Warm regards,
Michael Maynor Editor-in-Chief Feathers & Whiskey
CONTRIBUTORS
TIM ASKINS
is a USCG Master Mariner and has been a licensed captain since 1980 He continues to operate his real estate development and construction business while devoting time to his farm, children, and wife, Karen. He is an advocate for wildlife habitat with Quail Forever and returning ex-convicts to the workplace with the Turning Leaf Project.
EDGAR CASTILLO
is a retired law enforcement officer of more than 26 years, where he worked for a large Kansas City metropolitan agency. He also served in the U.S. Marines for a decade. Born in Guatemala, he and his father were introduced to bird hunting upon arriving in the U S , where they searched the Kansas landscapes for roosters and bobs Edgar's passion lies in the uplands as he travels across public lands or wherever the dirt road takes him hunting open fields, walking treelines, & bustin" through plum thickets, in a never-ending chase to hunt wild birds in wild places
He's contributing writer for a variety of magazines, journals, emagazines, and websites Follow the author's adventures on Instagram at @hunt-birdz
CECIL CHERRY
is a retired law enforcement officer and is originally from Eastern North Carolina Cecil grew up on a tobacco and hog farm and still loves the rural life He enjoys waterfowl, upland, and big game hunting He loves the idea of field to plate and enjoys cooking and eating all of his harvests and cannot wait until the next hunt
MICKEY ADCOX
is a cowboy, rancher and life-long hunter from Oklahoma As an avid reader of Ruark, Hemingway, Capstick and all things Africa, he is finally beginning to live the dream- one trip at a time to the Dark Continent.
ROBBIE PERDUE
is a native North Carolinian who enjoys cooking, butchery, and is passionate about all things BBQ He straddles two worlds as an IT professional and a farmer who loves heritage livestock and heirloom vegetables His perfect day would be hunting deer, dove, or ducks then babysitting his smoker while watching the sunset over the blackwater of Lake Waccamaw
MICHAEL MAYNOR
is a proud native of North Carolina with a deep love for the sporting lifestyle and everything Southern My book collection seems to grow endlessly, and I have a particular fondness for collecting vintage duck decoys Despite appearing content, my heart longs to return to Africa for another safari adventure John 3:16
CHARLES REEDY
is an outdoorsman and lifelong hunter While birds, rabbits, and whitetails were his first love, hunting in Africa has stolen his heart He is from the lowcountry of SC but now calls NC home He loves spending time with family and friends, and is always up for talking about hunting, history, and traveling John 14:6
BRIAN
R. SMITH
is an avid outdoorsman passionate about fly fishing, wing shooting, Safari hunting, and equestrian activities. He lives with his wife Gretchen in Alabama, and together they enjoy spending time with their horses and sporting dogs on trails, rivers, and in the sporting field. To read more of Brians adventures, you can follow him on Instagram @bohemianadventure
DOUG PELTON
is a recent transplant from South Carolina that now proudly calls the Old North State home
I have been an avid outdoorsman for as long as I can remember and am happiest when I’m outdoors chasing trout with a fly rod, Bobwhite quail with my two English pointers and a vintage shotgun, in the African bush or anywhere in between
When I’m not involved in outdoor pursuits, I enjoy reading books from the golden age of safari and enjoying time with my family and all the Carolinas has to offer
VINTAGE AFRICA
Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of Queen Victoria and Celebrating Victoria Falls
This year marks the 250th birth anniversary of Queen Victoria, one of Britain’s most influential monarchs Born on May 24, 1819, in Kensington Palace, London, Victoria ascended to the throne at 18 Her reign, known as the Victorian Era, lasted 63 years and saw Britain become a global industrial and imperial power Queen Victoria symbolized British pride and strength and left a lasting legacy on the nation and the world
A tribute to her influence is Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world Located on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall based on its combined width of 1,708 meters and height of 108 meters, creating the world’s largest sheet of falling water.
QUEEN VICTORIA
Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone, believed to be the first European to see the falls on November 16, 1855, named them in honor of Queen Victoria The indigenous name, "Mosi-oa-Tunya," meaning "The Smoke That Thunders," vividly describes the immense spray and roar as the river plunges into the Batoka Gorge
Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to diverse wildlife and unique plants It attracts thousands of tourists annually, offering breathtaking views and thrilling activities like white-water rafting and bungee jumping F&W
DAVID LIVINGSTONE
AFRICA NEEDS YOU
MORE THAN YOU NEED AFRICA
BY TIM ASKINS
A Safari in South Africa provides insights into hunting and conservation.
“The
views were immensely wide. Everything that you saw made for greatness and freedom, and unequalled nobility.”
-Baroness Karen von Blixen-Finecke in ‘Out of Africa’.
A few readers will remember back to 1983 when Columbia-based entrepreneur Dickey Trotter arrived in Charleston with grand ideas for a wildlife expo to take place in the dead of winter. Most of us thought “Well who’s going to pay to go to that?” The event now draws a worldwide audience of sportsmen, artisans, and wildlife enthusiasts while genning up $50 million in local revenue
The 1986 theme for SEWE was based on the blockbuster movie ‘Out of Africa” The movie takes place during a strange blip in history when waves of European settlers, discontented with life at home in the years around World War I, immigrated to Africa. They searched out the best land available to farm cattle and crops. Their efforts also displaced many native tribes and destroyed native flora and charismatic megafauna in efforts to tame wild Africa
The ’Out of Africa’ theme, complete with Mutual of Ohama’s Wild Kingdom stars, Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler in attendance, coincided with former Abercrombie & Fitch employee Burt Avedon’s revival of the bankrupt Willis & Geiger brand Willis & Geiger made its reputation producing expedition wear for Charles Linburg, Amelia Earhart, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ernest Hemmingway
Burt opened a flagship store on King Street with others in Charlotte, Dallas, and Miami Burt was a “Most Interesting Man in the World” character. A pilot by the age of 12, he became a decorated WWII Navy pilot, flew at Iwo Jima, played football at UCLA, studied Business at Harvard, and married an Italian princess With apparel styled for MacArthur, Eisenhower, and Hemingway, Burt’s personality and style were a perfect fit for rebuilding the Willis & Geiger brand
Now, Charlestonians too could be fitted for that authentic Hemmingway bush jacket or iconic A-2 flight jacket along with other proper gear appropriate for safaris or the country club.
I personally never had an un-scratchable itch to go to sub-Saharan Africa. Hunting wildebeest, zebra, and kudo just never crossed my mind. Nothing against it, just never really thought about it. I even had a sportfisher named “On Safari” back in the 1980s Instead, I was content to chase whitetail deer, turkeys, quail, doves, and ducks in my native South Carolina.
At the SC Waterfowl Association banquet during SEWE 2019, I learned that my wife did have that itch She told our table “I have always dreamed of going on a photo safari in Africa!”.
As the evening wore on, my money flowed like wine yet one African trip after another slipped by. Karen was undeterred and more determined. Finally, as one of the last items came to the auctioneer the libations and loud conversations distracted other bidders and she was the successful bidder for a week-long safari in South Africa. A look of bemusement flooded her face when someone at our table pointed out she had just won a ‘hunting’ safari Thus began our introduction to African safari hunting.
the askins family of South Carolina TIM, KAREN, KD, AND Dyer
A first safari is a life-changing event, hunting Africa after all remains one of the last great adventures, albeit inauspicious in the beginning for Karen
At SEWE the following day we made our way to the Wild Wing Safaris booth to meet Wayne and Samantha Dunn They operate a lodge and hunting concessions on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. His safaris range from Northern Zululand, down to the Umkomaas Valley, westwards towards the grasslands of the Natal Midlands, and up into the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains.
Wayne and Sam would become our liaisons and fixers as we navigated the nuances of an African Safari From airlines to sunscreen to trophy fees and what guns to bring (or not), they had everything covered. We found out that if you don’t want to sound like a greenhorn lose that ‘going on safari’ and say, ‘going to the bush’. Thou derived from a Swahili word meaning journey, the term has been hijacked by travel agencies to mean just about any trip to Africa. The locals all say ‘going to the bush’ when referring to hunting
From our hunting and fishing stateside, we understood that nothing is a guarantee when it comes to wild animals This would be truer in the bush The bush has its clock, and it always rewards those who wait.
“The best we can do is predict. These animals go where they want to go when they want to go ” Wayne stated flatly Our hunting season occurs during the drier winter months, between May and August. Hunting areas consist of abandoned cattle farms, agricultural farms, game ranches, and government game reserves. Our experienced professional hunters and Zulu trackers will guide you when hunting while prioritizing the principles of fair chase in an ethical and sporting manner.
He continued
“We typically shoot Guinea fowl, franklin, and a variety of migratory ducks and geese on 400,000 acres on days when we are not on the plains hunting big game.”
That was all I needed to hear. I was hooked.
KD with Samantha Dunn of Wild wing Safaris
How can it be fair if you are hunting farms and ranches, I wondered I later learned these “ranches” ranged from 10,00050,000 acres – so much for preconceived notions Despite the apparent conundrum of describing the concepts, fair chase and hunting ethics retain a deep meaning for the hunters who understand taking trophies is not the ultimate goal of hunting.
When the hunter is alone in the field, only he will be the judge of his actions. You must judge yourself. Are you able to look at the trophy on the wall and relive the experience of an exciting hunt or just see an addition to a collection? Rules for Hunter Ethics and Fair Chase cannot be prescribed, instead, they are patterns of individual behavior There are no written laws, nor can contravention always be prosecuted.
Wayne explained further that almost all South African land is in private ownership. 17-18 percent of South Africa, around 50 million acres, is set aside in private game preserves. That’s six times the area of our National Park System! This wildlife conservation area is supported by trophy hunting Landowners are allowed to hold the rights to the wildlife living on their property thus generating revenue that encourages conservation.
The income competes with farming and other land-use options as an economic asset for both the landowners and surrounding communities.
South Africa has parlayed trophy hunting into wildlife conservation These lands contain approximately 12 million head of game, twice the number found in South Africa’s national park system, and worth an estimated $131 million per year to rural South Africans and billions in total economic impact.
These private reserves have been credited with helping avert the extirpation of the leopard tortoise and the extinctions of the geometric tortoise and Waterberg copper butterfly among others listed under the U S Endangered Species Act, including the white and black southern species of rhino, the bontebok and cape mountain zebra.
In emerging markets across the globe, habitat conservation depends on making wildlife economically competitive with other land uses. Farming in general and livestock herding particularly degrade habitat conservation and are among the top threats to wildlife conservation in Africa and around the globe. It is essential to conservation that governments reduce the incentive to transform wild lands into pastures and farms. They must simultaneously discourage the clearing of woodlands and killing wildlife that prey on livestock or compete for forage if the animals of the plains are to survive.
“For a true wilderness hunt, it is necessary to hunt in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania,” Wayne explained. “In these areas, you will be hunting without any fences or human-made obstacles including public roads.”
This remoteness comes at a cost with expensive day fees being mandatory as well as extra time and costs to get to these wilderness areas, and these costs come before you have even seen an animal. For many, the cost and time are prohibitive. As a result, South Africa has become the premier safari hunting destination in the world.
Our crew was happy with the ‘staying at the lodge’ concept for our first go to the bush
There’s a satisfying natural rhythm to a day ‘in the bush’ of Africa emboldened with the solitude of a vast natural landscape and intoxicating adventure. Even if you ’ re not normally an early riser, you’ll quickly fall into the routine Coffee at camp before a pre-dawn start, lazy lunchtimes in the bush recounting the morning hunt followed by more action in the afternoons tempered with cocktails and dinner. You’ll sleep soundly, drunk on the fresh air if the cocktails don’t get you first
After an exhilarating trek in Wayne’s two land cruisers, aptly named Shakes and Rattles, nothing can prepare you for the panorama, the surge of emotions you’ll feel when you first break out onto the great plains. To be isolated in the vast wilderness with animals running free is just extraordinary.
It doesn’t matter how many wildlife documentaries or zoos you ’ ve seen; nothing can prepare you for the feeling that exists in Africa’s great wildernesses.
There is so much going on that everyone gets a different experience in the same place. ‘Mutual of Omaha’ meets ‘Jurassic Park’ A herd of elephants across the way diligently turning forest into dung.
An implausibility of gnus (aka wildebeest), antelope, giraffes, and blesbok ambling across the savannah from horizon to horizon. It was a sight to take in.
When the hunter is alone in the field, only he will be the judge of his actions. You must judge yourself. Are you able to look at the trophy on the wall and relive the experience of an exciting hunt or just see an addition to a collection? Rules for Hunter Ethics and Fair Chase cannot be prescribed, instead, they are patterns of individual behavior.
Our days were patterned by the regular recurrence of alternating elements and conditions. One day on the plains followed by a day of highland birds, followed by ducks before dinner. On our second day on the plains our daughter, KD, took a trophy Kudu shooting off the sticks in the long grass, one of the biggest adjustments to hunting in the bush It was her first and until the reality of the round reverberating off the hills, it was just a dream
The kudu fell from a shot through the heart and tumbled down a rocky crevice It would take Shakes and Rattles hitched together a power winch, and 6 men to extricate her 700-pound trophy. A day later her brother, Dyer stalked a wildebeest bull and took him at 30 yards. In those days it was the culmination of an experience, overcoming fear, the sights, sounds, and smells of the bush that made the real trophy. Same as it ever was.
Not all of us are entirely comfortable with trophy hunting. It seems implausible that we can save the animals of Africa by hunting them But I believe it safe to say we are all deeply uncomfortable with the loss of species and habitats that trophy hunting bans are likely to perpetuate While photo tourism is a powerful driver for conservation in some places, it is not a turnkey replacement for trophy hunting The animals we harvested on the savannahs of South Africa provided meat for the local Zulu tribe, an orphanage, an old folks home as well as jobs and governmental fees
Americans make up 71% of the global trophy-hunting market and the graying of the American hunter already places strains on the income needed to protect these wild animals. What would it look like if trophy hunting were to stop, and hunting revenues were taken away? The picture is grim according to researchers in South Africa
They predict that if only the trophy hunting of lions were to end, more than 47 million acres in Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe might lose their economic viability as conservation areas.
A measure being considered by our Congress to further limit trophy hunting would likely produce more negative effects on conservation and the collateral damage to all species will be far more devastating and widespread. These policies discouraging hunting in Africa are likely to undermine these countries’ wildlife conservation efforts.
Africa embodies the Law of Contagion: things that have once been in contact with each other continue to act on each other at a distance after the physical contact has been severed. I still feel connected to the animals and people of South Africa while looking forward to my next time ‘in the bush’ It may seem like a high price to pay, but Africa is waiting and needs you The real cost is not in paper currency but the anchor of regret you will drag if you pass on the opportunity of Africa F&W
R e b e k a h K n i g h t . c o m W I L D L I F E A R T I S T R Y
Nyasa Selous Game Reserve Adventure
BY MICHAEL MAYNOR
Species Profile
The Nyasa Wildebeest, a subspecies of the Blue Wildebeest, draws its name from its historical roots in Nyasaland, now known as Malawi Characterized by a distinctive white stripe or chevron adorning its muzzle, this majestic creature embodies the allure of East African wildlife.
The reverse of the paper Rhodesia & Nyasaland £10 note, printed in 1957
In 2021, my hunting partner Charles Reedy and I embarked on an exhilarating safari to the Selous Game Reserve, a vast and renowned wildlife sanctuary in Tanzania This reserve, known for its diverse and abundant wildlife, promised an unforgettable adventure. Our expedition aimed to pursue a mixed bag of animals, including some of the most iconic species in Africa. Among the various animals we sought, one in particular captured our imaginations and desires: the mature Nyasa wildebeest bull.
The Nyasa wildebeest is a magnificent creature distinguished by the white chevron across its muzzle and striking markings. For Charles, an experienced hunter with several safaris under his belt, the opportunity to hunt different wildebeest subspecies had already been realized on previous excursions He had successfully hunted the blue wildebeest and black wildebeest on pervious hunts. However, the Nyasa wildebeest of the Selous Game Reserve presented a new and exciting challenge.
The Hunt
Once thriving in its homeland of Malawi, the Nyasa Wildebeest has sought sanctuary in the vast expanses of Tanzania and a small pocket of Mozambique. Pursuing this majestic species mirrors the hunt for other plains game, wherein the quest for a mature specimen aligns with the hunter's aspirations
In the midst of my 2021 Safari adventure with Game Trackers Africa, I found myself immersed in the pursuit of the Nyasa Wildebeest. Guiding me through this exhilarating journey was none other than Jaco Oosthuizen, the owner of Game Trackers Africa.
Prior to our expedition, I had expressed to Jaco my preference for a bull adorned with a distinct chevron, valuing it over impressive horns with a less pronounced facial pattern As the sun dipped on our inaugural hunting day and we made our way back to the main camp, fate intervened I had had the pleasure of taking a beautiful Eastern Africa zebra earlier and we had just dropped him off at one of Jaco’s other Camps in the Selous
We were not far from the remote camp when we crossed paths with a Nyasa bull. Things happen quickly in Africa and sometimes it works in your favor and sometimes it does not, but we were able to get out and make a short stalk on the bull and I got my rifle on the sticks and with a squeeze of the trigger I had the Nyasa bull of my dreams! This bull not only had the beautiful chevron that makes them so distinctive, but also a sweeping and heavy set of horns
As the light began to fade rapidly, we found ourselves grateful for the remaining moments to capture a handful of photos before swiftly loading the majestic bull onto our vehicle and setting course back toward the main camp
The Light was fading, but we still managed to snap a few photos of my bull.
The ride back to camp was one of reflection and thankfulness on the events that had transpired on the first full day of hunting. I was grateful and excited to see what the rest of my time in the Selous would hold for me. I knew the Selous was special; I had long heard of the richness and diversity of its game.
The Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania, established in 1922, is one of the largest wildlife reserves in the world, covering over 50,000 square kilometers. It is named after Frederick Selous, a renowned British explorer, hunter, and conservationist who greatly influenced wildlife conservation efforts in Africa The reserve boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich biodiversity.
In 2019, a significant portion of the reserve was re-designated as the Nyerere National Park, honoring Julius Nyerere, Tanzania's founding father, while the remaining area continues to be known as the Selous Game Reserve. In the Selous, you are truly in wild and remote Africa!
My hunting compaion, Charles, was playing a game of Chess with Nyasa, so much so that they all started joking that all the Wildebeest, must have left the Selous and returned to Nyasaland in Mozambique because they were just not seeing many It was early in the morning of Day four when they got on a lone bull, but after a two mile stalk the gig was up, so it was a nice bush lunch of tasty cape buffalo schnitzel!
Charles and JP picked up the hunt later in the afternoon. JP suggest that they walk a few miles into the bush to flat opening where Wildebeest, Zebra, and Hartebeest like to feed. They scan the area and see movement. It was a group of four bulls They get into position with a favorable wind and are able to get on the sticks. They wait and let the bulls feed a little closer to them giving them time to look them over
JP points out a two of the four bulls that are shooters Luck was again on their sides as those two bulls were in the led As it does time slows down and 1 minute felt like 10 with Charles on the sticks. The first bull offered Charles a hard quarteing shot and he squeezed off a round from the .375 H&H. The shot was true and the bull dropped in his tracks with no movement.The other bull stands there unsure of what had just happened.
As Charles and JP make their way over to Charle’s bull the other bull turns and runs Charles, would tell me later that he knew Nyassa were beautiful, but finally putting his hands on one and seeing the colors of the hide up close left him almost speechless The Swift A-frame and done its job, Charles was able to marvel at the chevron on the muzle and the thick mane and tail They loaded his bull and returned to camp for cocktails and dinner!
Charles and JP with his Nyasa bull.
Equipment
When hunting Nyasa Wildebeest, you are likely participating in a plains game hunt combined with a dangerous game expedition in Mozambique or Tanzania. In Tanzania, our focus included buffalo, so Charles and I each brought our personal rifles, both chambered in .375 H&H. We used a mix of 300grain Norma Oryx and Federal Ammunition for this trip
The key to any successful hunt, particularly in Africa, is understanding shot placement. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of practicing shooting from sticks before your expedition Without a rock or tree for support, you'll likely be relying on traditional shooting sticks or another type of tripod support. You can buy a great set of custom shooting sticks from African Sporting Creations or you can build you own, but the most important thing is to practice
Taxidermy
The Nyasa Wildebeest features a striking chevron across its muzzle and a beautifully patterned hide For those fortunate enough to secure one, planning how to commemorate the hunt is essential. The internet offers numerous mounting options, including shoulder mounts, wall pedestals, or rug and skull mounts
If undecided, you can always have the animal skinned and decide later, as I did with my East African zebra Charles chose a shoulder mount, and I will do the same, preserving the back skins as throws to enjoy the intricate hide pattern for years to come
Taxidermy by Artistic Wildlife Experssions Taxidermy Studio
If the allure of hunting Nyasa Wildebeest or embarking on expeditions for other plains or dangerous game in the untamed wilds of Africa beckons to you, reach out to Jaco Oosthuizen at Game Trackers Africa and commence planning your extraordinary adventure today! Visit www.gametrackersafrica.com to begin your journey into the heart of African wilderness. F&W
THE BOOKSHELF
"I strongly recommend this book to anyone creating an African library or enhancing an existing collection!"
White Hunters: The Golden Age Of African Safaris
By Brian Herne
I don’t remember exactly when I first got my paperback copy of this Brian Herne classic, but I do know I have bought several more copies because I wanted it in those editions and I needed a hardback with the rhino charging on the cover. This book really breaks down the history of the Golden Age of Safari and explains the emergence of legendary hunters and safari operators. The Amazon description:
‘East Africa affects our imagination like few other places: the sight of a charging rhino goes directly to the heart; the limitless landscape of bony highlands, desert, and mountain is, as Isak Dinesen wrote, of "unequalled nobility."
White Hunters re-creates the legendary big-game safaris led by Selous and Bell and the daring ventures of early hunters into unexplored territories, and brings to life such romantic figures as Cape-to-Cairo Grogan, who walked 4,000 miles for the love of a woman, and Dinesen's dashing lover, Denys Finch. Witnesses to the richest wildlife spectacle on earth, these hunters were the first conservationists. Hard-drinking, infatuated with risk, and careless in love, they inspired Hemingway's stories and movies with Clark Gable and Gregory Peck.’
Mr Herne does a fantastic job of shedding light on the details of a time in Africa that laid the foundation for the safaris that we know and love today. My personal view is this is not a book you read once, put on your shelf, and never touch again except to dust, but a reference that you will find yourself going back to, discovering something new each time you visit the pages. F&W
ELAND
In Namibia
BY MICKEY ADCOX
Join Mickey Adcox as he ventures into the heart of Namibia, where the vast landscapes and elusive game challenge even the most seasoned hunters Feel the anticipation, the thrill of the chase, and the ultimate satisfaction as Mickey and his companion, Bobby Jones, track the majestic Eland through the wild savannahs. This journey is not just about the hunt it's about the stories that unfold, the bonds forged, and the unforgettable moments that define a hunter's dream.
Touchdown in Namibia
Bobby Jones and I had begun to wonder if we would ever actually get to Namibia. It had been three and a half years since we booked our hunt, but in September of 2021, we finally touched down at the Windhoek Airport and were driven to camp through big, beautiful, wide-open country
Dreaming of Africa
This was my third trip to Africa and my first to Namibia. I had several animals on my wish list, but at the very top were a Hartmann Zebra and an Eland. I had dreamed of Africa for 30 years before I finally made my first trip in 2017 The addiction and need to get back as often as possible were stronger than I had imagined! Kudu bulls and Gemsbok had always haunted those early dreams, and I had taken really good bulls of both species. However, while stalking Gemsbok in the Northern Cape in 2019, I had come upon a bachelor group of Eland bulls. I had always heard about the tremendous size of Eland, how alert they were, and how they practically ate at a swinging trot that covered miles a day. I had also been told they were the best of all game meat in Africa and probably anywhere But for some reason, they had never been on my list during a hunt That all changed with the sighting of these bulls. What incredible animals they are!
A Promising Start
Bobby and I hit the ground running on this trip, and at the end of day one, we each had great, old, scarred-up Hartmann stallions in the salt. I had also taken a HUGE Steenbok (as huge as a 10-pound antelope can be), and Bobby had connected on a wonderful old Gemsbok bull. What a great start to our week.
Around the Campfire: Eland Stories
He told me of their most recent client who spent three hard days on tracks before taking a monster of a bull He also told me of the client before him that hunted for four exhausting days before calling it quits and going after other game. I went to bed that night a little buzzed on the day’s success but dreaming of the big blue bulls, and tired feet and sore legs.
The Hunt Begins
Bobby and I split up for the day’s hunt. Bobby and Jacques packed a lunch and headed off to a rough, mountainous area in search of Kudu. Matheus and I were off to look for Eland. We headed to an area where the brush was starting to green up We were in one of the spots Bobby and I had started calling "National Geographic" areas because of the open grasslands dotted with tall, flat-topped camelthorn trees. We were looking at a herd of Giraffe mixed with Mt. Zebra when Matheus said, "Eland!" It was a small herd on the edge of the grassland and brush
There was a good bull hanging around the edge of the herd, but he was a prime breeding-age bull, and we didn't consider him an animal to try for As Michael and I were just admiring them in the binoculars, Matheus got out and started walking the two-track road Less than a quarter mile from where we were sitting, he found the tracks of a large group of Eland crossing the road.
As we looked at the dimples in the sand, I was amazed he could tell they were Eland Obviously, they were large tracks, but in the loose sand, they were just marks to me. To make it even better, I noticed he would walk past a few tracks, then point at one and count it off on his fingers. He did this three times and turned to me and said, "Three bulls are following this herd of cows " What???!!!
He told Michael to drive the truck up a little way to a shade tree where he and I would start tracking We actually spotted the tail end of the herd as we drove up to the tree, and they saw us as well. They were about a mile ahead but already watching us. We drove on over a little hill, parked, and just sat to let them settle for about 30 minutes We then started to stalk toward the direction they had been traveling After several hours, we had no sign of them or their tracks. We were out of the savannah area and back in thorn bush. Matheus said he guessed they changed direction after they saw us and headed straight away.
We started working a big circle back in that direction, and about a half-hour later, he found their tracks After only an hour or so, we made contact with the Eland. For the next half hour, we worked the edges of the herd of 10 to 12 cows and half-grown calves, with the three big bulls shadowing the group. We tried to stay hidden and keep the wind We kept seeing the bulls drifting through the herd, and it was my first time being this close to big Eland bulls.
The difference between them and the females was awesome! They looked like massive shouldered, bluegray mountains moving through the herd. All three bulls looked huge to me, but Matheus had locked onto one bull. He said one had the best length but was younger, while the last two were old, but one was longer and heavier horned, with a good ruff and beautiful dark face
The Final Moment
Just as we were working into position on him, they broke over a slight rise in the ground and disappeared We quickly and quietly worked our way up to this depression As we got to the edge, there was a bull and two cows about 70 yards ahead browsing. We held up and glassed, trying to pick out the rest of the herd when a mountain of a bull came out of cover from our right. It was over before I could get nervous. Matheus set the sticks and said, "That's him " The 375 barked, and he was behind a tree, carrying his front leg from a broken shoulder. The others grouped around the tree, and we waited several minutes until they moved off The big bull didn't follow, and we suspected he was down but approached ready. He was up and moved off at our approach but couldn’t go too well, and a finishing shot put him down for good
Reflecting on the Hunt
This bull has been in my thoughts for several years now after I had settled on Eland as my main goal for this hunt A little luck and Matheus' great skill and insane ability to read animals saved me the days and miles of tracking, but it was still three or four of the best hours I have spent trailing animals, and what a prize at the end of it Magnificent animals! And believe me, they are the best game I have ever eaten.
A
Lucky Spot
As we were loading him and driving out, Matheus pointed to a familiar-looking opening about 50 yards away. He said, "This is your lucky spot." With over 400,000 acres of freerange area to hunt, I had ended up where I took my Zebra 14 hours earlier! F&W
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D A U F U S K I E
I S L A N D , S C BY CECIL
C A P E B U F F A L O
Roger Pinckney was born in Beaufort, South Carolina, in 1946 and became a prolific writer of outdoor magazine articles and over 10 novels in his lifetime After graduating from the University of South Carolina, Roger left South Carolina for Alaska. His vehicle broke down in Minnesota, where he ended up putting down roots and living for several years. In the mid 1990’s he made his way back to his beloved South Carolina Low Country and settled on Daufuskie Island in his beautiful home to share his adventures with his numerous fans He was a storyteller, historian, author and friend to many Daufuskie Island is located between Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. Daufuskie is accessible only by boat. The island is rich in history and was explored by Spanish conquistadors Daufuskie saw the American War for Independence and the War of Northern Aggression It was known to be a haven for pirates and smugglers. After the Civil War the Gullah people continued
One night in December 2023, I received an email from Roger inviting me and several of his other friends to take part in an annual wood duck hunt on Daufuskie Island which was scheduled for the last day of the duck season in January 2024 I checked my schedule and immediately made arrangements for a ferry ride to Daufuskie, rented a one room cottage and a golf cart. I was all set for a great weekend of hunting, fellowship, and above all else, hunting. I arrived on the island a day early with plans to see Roger later on that afternoon at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company, aka, The Beer Joint I received a message after one o ’clock inviting me instead over to hang out at Roger’s home and share “ a drank of lakker.”
Roger was wrapping up his most recent book and had finished work for the day. I eagerly roared off in my rented golf cart to Roger’s house and met him for the afternoon’s libation I brought Roger a half gallon of Makers Mark as a thank you for the invitation to duck hunt We were soon sipping brown liquor at the kitchen table as Roger told the history of South Carolina and the Low Country.
Roger had artifacts dating back 10,000 years. Roger told me about the native Marsh Tackie horses that can trace their DNA back to the horses the Spanish explorers left up and down the coast. He then began telling me the story of his African hunt roughly 20 years prior
I hung on every word, living vicariously through Roger’s adventure. On the dining room wall directly across from the table where I sat was a taxidermied cape buffalo. I asked Roger about this particular hunt he had in Africa Roger said he went to Africa and hunted birds and plains game One day his professional hunter (PH) asked “Bwana” what he wished to hunt next. Roger said the PH calling him Bwana (which translates to “boss” or “master”) thrilled him to no end and was a highlight during the safari.
The Cape Buffalo is a 2000-pound bovine that big game hunters add to their safari list This animal is listed as one of the big five dangerous animals to hunt along with leopard, elephant, lion, and rhino. They weigh up to 2,000 pounds and are known for their ferocious personality. Cape buffalo kill an average of 200 people per year North Carolina author Robert Ruark described their demeanor as “the Cape Buffalo looks at you as if you owe him money ”
Roger said that he, the PH, the trackers, skinners, and guides followed a herd of buffalo looking for the mature herd bull After a day of hunting and tracking a herd of buffalo, the herd bull finally appeared They stalked the black death on foot in dense cover. It sounded like a chess game with hunters and quarry attempting to get in the best position. The buffalo would break and run while Bwana Roger, the PH, trackers, and gun bearers followed.
The buffalo led the hunting party into the tall grass Peter Hathaway Capstick wrote about. Roger said he was beyond frightened as they walked into head high foliage. Just then, the bull presented a shot and Roger was face to face with the cape buffalo at only 30 yards
Roger was armed with an unfamiliar, borrowed Remington 416 Magnum hunting rifle. Squeezing off his first round, the report of the gun went boom. The cape buffalo ran. The hunters followed and the cape buffalo was waiting to ambush them Luckily the buffalo was wounded too severely to give charge The PH backed Roger up with a 570 Nitro Express double barrel rifle as Roger worked his way behind the buffalo and placed a final shot in the base of the big bull’s skull and the bull was done for.
Roger and Buffalo Courtesy of Sporting Classics Magazine and Professional Hunter Ron Cowan
The bull was dressed and butchered for meat, then loaded in the safari vehicle and driven back to camp where the meat would be shared with locals, camp staff and hunter The kitchen staff asked what Roger wanted for supper from his kill. He requested ox tail soup. He told me that the meal was delicious.
Sadly, Roger passed away on April 3, 2024 leaving friends and fans broken hearted. He will be dearly missed F&W
Pinckney XI
Roger
HIDDEN STORIES IN TAXIDERMY
John Henry Patterson and The Man-Eaters of Tsavo
BY ROBBIE PERDUE
LIONS OF LEGEND
Nestled in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, the Field Museum of Natural History houses a pair of lions with an extraordinary past. These aren't just any lions they are the infamous Man-Eaters of Tsavo, a duo of mane-less male lions that terrorized workers in Kenya over a century ago. Between March and December 1898, these lions were said to have killed 135 people, a harrowing tale brought to the silver screen in the film "The Ghost and the Darkness." However, while Hollywood often embellishes, the man who brought down these legendary predators, John Henry Patterson, is the true hero of this story.
Patterson made the lions into rugs, but today they are full mounts and look smaller than orginal.
Lt-Colonel John Henry Patterson, from his book "With the Judaeans in the Palestine Campaign"
The translation of "Tsavo" remains uncertain, though it has often been associated with the idea of a "place of slaughter." Various theories attempt to explain the behavior of the Lions of Tsavo, with many suggesting that these lions developed a preference for easy prey. The laborers working on the Lunatic Express railroad provided an abundant and vulnerable food source. Some, however, attribute the lions' actions to supernatural causes. Regardless of the reasons, these two maneless lions temporarily halted the British Empire's expansion into Africa, creating a moment of historical significance.
Lieutenant-Colonel Patterson with the first Tsavo lion – killed 9 December 1898
THE MAKING OF A LEGEND
Born on November 10, 1867, in Ireland, Patterson grew up in a family steeped in military tradition His path initially led him to civil engineering, graduating from the prestigious Royal Military Academy in Woolwich, England. His skills soon took him to East Africa in 1898, where he was appointed chief engineer on the ambitious Kenya-Uganda Railway project.
FROM HUNTER TO ZOOLOGIST
Patterson's triumph over the Tsavo lions was just the beginning His renown as a hunter soared, leading him to new adventures in East Africa. In 1907, during a hunting expedition, he discovered a previously unknown species of antelope, which was subsequently named Patterson's Eland (Taurotragus oryx pattersonianus) in his honor This discovery highlighted his contributions to zoology and wildlife preservation.
“The silence of an African jungle on a dark night needs to be experienced to be realised; it is most impressive, especially when one is absolutely alone and isolated from one's fellow creatures, as I was then.”
John Henry Patterson
A LEGACY OF FRIENDSHIP AND ADVOCACY
Patterson's dedication to the Jewish cause extended beyond military training. He was deeply involved in the development of Jewish agricultural communities and advocated tirelessly for Jewish self-defense. His close friendship with Benzion Netanyahu led him to become the godfather to Benzion's eldest son, Yonatan, who would later die heroically in the Entebbe raid in 1976. Benzion's younger son, Benjamin, serves as Israel's prime minister today.
Tent after the attack of a maneater lion in Tsavo
A LIFE IMMORTALIZED
After his time in Palestine, Patterson turned to writing, sharing his extraordinary experiences with the world. His book, "The Man-Eaters of Tsavo" (1907), became a bestseller, offering readers a gripping account of his encounters with the infamous lions. Through his writings, Patterson provided invaluable insights into the trials faced by early European settlers in Africa and the struggles of Jewish pioneers in Palestine.
John Henry Patterson passed away on June 18, 1947, but his legacy endures. As an adventurer, conservationist, and advocate for Jewish rights, his bravery and contributions continue to inspire. The tale of the Man-Eaters of Tsavo and Patterson's heroic actions remain a testament to the enduring power of courage and dedication in the face of adversity F&W
The second Tsavo lion – killed 29 December 1898
Photo courtesy of Tim Herald
OSAJOHNSONANDLOTSOFGUINEAFOWL,LAKEPARADISE,
OSA JOHNSON
A Kansas Girl on Safari During the 1920s-30s Africa
TEXT BY EDGAR CASTILLO
Photos Courtesy of The Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum
“quail, sand grouse, guinea fowl, spurfowl, bustard, vulturine guinea fowl – all of them good eating”
From 1917 to 1937, Martin and Osa Johnson, a young husband-and-wife adventure team from Chanute, Kansas explored – by boat, foot, vehicles, and customized zebrapatterned planes – remote islands in the Pacific, the rivers of Borneo, the jungle forests, and the expansive savannahs of Africa Throughout their crusades, Martin was the self-appointed photographer, filmmaker, and videographer of their exotic excursions While his dear wife, Osa, was thrust into carrying a gun, which ultimately transformed her into the role of protector, hunter, and ultimately, a wingshooter
The young couple from a little, unknown Kansas town became celebrities in their day, for their exploits around the world The Johnson’s ventured into the wild, where they surveyed strange, mysterious distant lands, to capture on film, never-before-seen people, cultures, and wildlife These visual recordings and photography stills, only before mentioned in books, were brought to life during sold-out, paid admissions at theater showings and lecture tours as they traveled across the US and Europe It is at these presentations; audiences were exposed to the mysteries and wonders the world still had hidden in far off untold regions
Despite her limited hunting experience, Osa took it upon herself to learn to shoot so she could stand guard while Martin cranked their motion picture camera Throughout their numerous treks, Osa transformed into a natural shooter and big-game hunter, proving to everyone her prowess with a firearm However, wherever they went, Martin was adamant their voyages were not traditional hunting expeditions, but rather to “hunt” animals with cameras He quickly realized that it was inevitable for a confrontation, and a gun would have to be discharged at animals
Famed hunter Blaney Percival said this to the Johnsons when they arrived in Africa on their first visit;
“Hunting” with a camera soon was accompanied by a rifle toting Osa, and traditional hunting made its way into their documentaries Osa found success in shooting the African Big 5, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and cape buffalo Some of the animal kills were while defending Martin’s own life during filming A variety of other species of plains game fell to her growing sharpshooting ability throughout their safaris At first African game birds were but snippets in the grand scheme of things, as most were for the “pot”
Osa’s exposure to bird hunting had been limited and there was not much documentation In the book “I Married Adventure,” she referred during her time in Borneo (1917) that green pigeons and argus pheasants were killed for a dinner, she cooked
Osa Johnson with a brace of “pigeons,” Solomon Islands 1917. Photo courtesy of Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum
However, Osa would quickly discover that Africa provided many more chances for wingshooting According to Osa“quail, sand grouse, guinea fowl, spurfowl, bustard, vulturine guinea fowl – all of them good eating” were plentiful and easy to shoot Some weren’t even considered gamebirds, such as the large bustard, but nonetheless fell to Osa’s shotgun There were many times Osa appeared in camp returning from a hunt, “swathed in guinea fowl” shot during “ a day’s gunning” according to her husband, Martin As time passed, it was evident that wingshooting was evolving for Osa, and she found herself much more enthralled in the sport of shooting birds than expected
Of the arsenal carried by the Johnson’s, they made sure that a few shotguns were included for just such hunts Classics shotguns such as a Winchester Model 12 “repeater” in 12gauge, an Ithaca 20gauge, and a Parker 12gauge over-under, were regularly used by Osa She quickly became known as an ace shot and was key to keeping the camp and caravan of porters supplied with meat and bellies full
Osa with a bustard and guinea fowl, Africa 1921
Photo courtesy of Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum
Osa and a string of “guinea fowl and partridge” that fell to her shotgun.
Northern Kenya 1929-1931 “Congorilla Expedition”.
Photo courtesy of Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum
Breakfast often consisted of American bacon and wild guinea fowl eggs It was a common occurrence to find freshly shot gamebirds somewhere on the day’s menu “Guinea fowl are everywhere in this country and can be easily shot in large numbers” Said Osa
Gamebirds were not just for everyday consumption but made for grand meals for special occasions In the book, “Four Years in Paradise” (1944), Osa was determined to give Martin a Christmas surprise On Christmas Eve she set out atop her saddled mule, Lazy Bones, along with three natives to hunt After being bucked off the frightened mule when it came face-to-face with a puff adder, Osa took to walking
Soon, Osa spied a long, feathered neck showing slightly above the grass It was a giant bustard, just the thing for their Christmas dinner The enormous bird was brought down easily by Osa and was described by her as, “thirty-five pounds of delicious African turkey”
It was almost as big as she was Bustards can reach a height of up to four-feet-tall and are the heaviest bird capable of flight They usually spend their time silently wandering through tall grass The male bird’s mating display is slightly reminiscent of the sage grouse
Osa Johnson with a giant bustard, Africa 1921. Photo courtesy of Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum
Upon returning home to Lake Paradise (Kenya), Osa was met by a concerned and very much surprised Martin Delighted with the giant bustard, and a few partridges, he said, “Justholdthatpose I’mgoingtogetthecamera andsnapyou–standingthereholdingthatbird.” Soon afterwards Osa had the barbeque pit lined with stones which were fired to a white heat, then covered with moist earth
After the bustard was cleaned and rubbed with olive oil, it was stuffed with wild forest mushrooms Then it was sewed up and rolled in banana leaves and wrapped in a damp cloth and plastered with clay and placed into the pit with a layer of hot coals on top The bird was cooked for eight hours, steaming in its own juices When done, Osa and Martin savored the Christmas bird
Wild African poultry shot by Osa before or after filming was a familiar occurrence Oftentimes, on the way to an area or returning home, it was common to run into small flocks of quail and spurfowl, and other types of gamebirds near the roadway The small caravan of vehicles would stop and Osa with shotgun in hand would venture into the swaying grass or African bush to stalk birds Great cheeping and fluttering would pierce the air as birds launched from the ground Osa would let fly hot pellets, often knocking down multiple birds Porters from the caravan would form a line while beating or swinging sticks, pushing through the tall grass, forcing the birds to flush, similar to driven pheasants
When Osa wasn’t bringing down animals such as charging rhinos, attacking leopards, and a variety of antelopes, she could be found near watering holes which offered plenty of shooting action as flights of sand grouse would fly in for a drink The part about the “sand” is true But the “grouse”? Not so much Sandgrouse are actually related to pigeons and doves Hunting these ground-dwelling birds that are restricted to treeless, open country, such as plains, savannahs, and semi-deserts, are hunted much like doves in the US Osa and Martin described seeing thousands of little “grouse” formations come in at dawn They formed black streaks across the sky The agile flyers would descend at high speeds in large numbers during the early morning or late afternoon hours, offering pass shooting opportunities for Osa
If she weren’t walking fields, Osa would find it quite easy to find opportunities to wing shoot It is said that Martin would come home and find the house empty, only to discover that Osa had heard spur-fowl cheeping near their house, prompting her to grab her shotgun and go out and shoot them
If that wasn't enough, Osa and friends were able to hunt behind bird dogs, as grazing zebras and giraffes meandered across the African plains, and hyenas laughed their sinister chuckle far off in the distance If this seemed bizarre or unusual, quite the contrary, pointing dogs have had quite a long and rich history throughout Africa since the early 1890s
Hunting dogs from England were imported to recreate the classic aristocratic hunt behind dogs British breeds such as English pointers, setters, and cockers were commonly used by residing and visiting Brits English hunters thought there was nothing more satisfying than watching well-trained dogs track, point, flush, and retrieve wild game
Described as the “champagne of shooting,” African gamebirds ran the gamut in variety Shooters found an abundance of species of francolin, quail, spur, and guinea fowl that would rocket from the brush as singles, pairs, or all at once in a covey flush
Osa and a pointer, Kenya 1921. Photo courtesy of Martin and Osa Safari Museum
Even visiting English royalty comprehended the amount of wingshooting that presented itself The Duke and Dutchess of York while on safari and enroute to meet the Johnson’s, told Osa during their chance river encounter, that the future King George VI, “might pick up a bird or two for our dinner” The duke would go onto shoot a variety of animals, but also managed to partake in some excellent wingshooting during their trip in 1925
Friends of the Johnson’s Captain McDonald, and D.C ( District Commissioner) Hampton along with “bird dogs,” and a truck full of African game birds, Kenya 1921.
Photo courtesy of Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum.
Osa continued hunting and shooting a wide variety of species, including being available for many wingshooting jaunts throughout their trips, which culminated in 1934, after their fifth and final voyage to Africa In January 1937, after recently returning home from their Borneo excursion, Martin and Osa boarded a plane in Salt Lake City, NV to begin a nationwide lecture tour In the early morning hours, the plane crashed due to severe weather Martin died the following day He was 53 After Martin's death, is when Osa's solo career truly began She continued producing films and leading expeditions on her own, alongside publishing, lecturing, and designing, thus staying in the public eye for the remainder of her life until her death in 1953 at the age of 58
Osa founded her own line of clothing, which she called Osaferi The key to her line was inspired by the colors of Africa The clothing was meant as luxury sportswear, made with durable fabrics and wooden buttons The hats, which Osa was fond of wearing a variety of styles, were made with guinea fowl feathers and bustard wings “Whenever we kill a bustard, we always save the wings for a hat” In March 1939, the Fashion Academy named Osa Johnson one of American’s twelve best-dressed women and in 1940, the American Society of Cinematographers named her one of the ten most photogenic personalities outside filmdom
Her other claim to fame was venturing into African cuisine, where she earned accolades for recipes, including Guinea Fowl à la King, which was published in a compilation of sportsman memoirs
The filmmaking that the Johnsons gave researchers was an important source of ethnological and zoological material which would otherwise have been lost if it were not for their sense of adventure and sharing their experiences with a wide variety of audiences The duo provided an unmatched photographic record of the wild landscape and culture they immersed themselves in This was done with equipment that at the time was the most advanced motion picture apparatus of the day, some of it designed by Martin Johnson himself The couple made ten documentary films, more than 70 lecture films, and between them published 120 articles in publications ranging from Natural History (the journal of the American Museum of Natural History), Forest and Stream, the Saturday Evening Post, and even Cosmopolitan
From this, Osa has emerged into an extraordinary figure who stood with one foot in science and the other in pop culture She was able to negotiate the message and importance of conservation for mainstream audiences through tales of adventure, well before it was an issue or concern She quite literally made consumers buy into the idea that they were responsible for the fate of the world’s wildlife As a woman, Osa Johnson, was an anomaly during her time She was regarded as a capable hunter and marksman by those who knew and met her
She was seen as an equal by not only the men who worked for the Johnson’s but many of the visiting guests, professional hunters, and friends that crossed her path To add to her impressive resume, Osa was an accomplished wingshooter, taking full advantage of the exotic bird hunting in-between stalking dangerous game, that Africa presented to this young, adventurous woman from Kansas F&W
The Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum is located in Osa's hometown of Chanute, Ks Formed in 1961 to preserve the Johnsons' achievements and to encourage further research into their fields of study, the Safari Museum has grown and flourished The museum features world-class exhibits based on the stunning photography and cinematic works of the Johnsons The museum’s core collection started with the Johnsons' films, photographs, manuscripts, articles, books, and personal belongings donated by Osa's mother Since opening in 1961, the museum has been gifted vast collections of African, Oceanic, and Bornean cultural artifacts which adds another dimension to the already impressive compilation
In 1998, the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum was named by the History Channel Traveler website as one of the "Top-Ten Historic Sites for Valentine's Day" that "capture romance, American-style"
The helmeted guineafowl is Native to Africa south of the Sahara, it has been widely introduced as a domesticated species to the West Indies, North America, Colombia, Brazil, Australia, and Europe
GULLAH SONG
A Melodic Bridge Across the Atlantic
BY ROBBIE PERDUE
I
n the lush, verdant lowlands of coastal Georgia, the Gullah people have long carried the echoes of their ancestral homeland.
For centuries, their songs, stories, and traditions have been a living testament to their resilience and rich cultural heritage. One such song, a haunting melody recorded in the early 1930s, has revealed a profound connection between the Gullah people and the Mende tribe of Sierra Leone. This discovery is more than just a fascinating cultural footnote; it is a testament to the enduring ties that bind the Gullah community to their West African roots.
The Discovery
The story begins in the early 1930s when linguist Lorenzo Dow Turner, a pioneering figure in the study of Gullah culture, recorded a song sung by Mary Moran, a member of the Gullah community. Turner, intrigued by the African elements within the Gullah language and culture, recognized the song’s significance but could not fully trace its origins at the time.
Fast forward to the 1980s and 1990s, when the Georgia Sea Island Singers, including the influential Bessie Jones, continued to perform this song, preserving its melody and lyrics. The breakthrough came when anthropologist Joseph Opala, alongside ethnomusicologist Cynthia Schmidt and Sierra Leonean linguist Tazieff Koroma, made a remarkable discovery. They found that the song recorded by Turner was nearly identical to a funeral song of the Mende people in Sierra Leone.
Cultural Significance
This revelation was more than an academic triumph; it was a profound cultural reconnection. The Gullah community, descendants of enslaved Africans primarily from the rice-growing regions of West Africa, have retained many African cultural elements, from language and folklore to music and cuisine. The song’s discovery highlighted the unbroken cultural thread that had persisted despite the brutal history of slavery and displacement.
The Gullah song, linked directly to the Mende funeral tradition, serves as a poignant reminder of the community’s origins and the resilience of their cultural identity. It underscores the importance of oral traditions in preserving history and cultural memory, offering a living link to the past.
Strengthening Cultural Ties
The identification of the Gullah song’s origins has had a significant impact on both sides of the Atlantic. It has fostered a deeper sense of shared heritage between the Gullah people and the Mende. Cultural exchanges and visits between the two communities have become more frequent, enriching their understanding and appreciation of their shared history.
In Sierra Leone, the recognition of the Gullah song has rekindled interest in the country’s diasporic connections, reinforcing the historical ties between West Africa and the African American communities in the United States. For the Gullah people, this connection has provided a profound sense of pride and continuity, affirming their place in a broader African diaspora.
Preserving a Rich Heritage
Conclusion
The story of the Gullah song is a powerful example of the resilience of cultural identity. Despite centuries of forced migration, slavery, and cultural suppression, the Gullah people have preserved a rich tapestry of traditions that continue to resonate today. Their music, language, and customs are not just relics of the past but living expressions of a vibrant cultural heritage.
The preservation and study of such traditions are crucial. They offer invaluable insights into the histories and identities of marginalized communities, providing a sense of continuity and belonging. The Gullah song is more than a melody; it is a symbol of cultural survival and the enduring power of heritage.
As we celebrate Africa in this special edition of Feathers & Whiskey, the story of the Gullah song stands as a testament to the deep and lasting connections that bind the Gullah people to their African ancestors. It reminds us of the power of music and oral traditions to transcend time and distance, linking generations across continents. The Gullah song, with its haunting melody and rich history, is a bridge between worlds, a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of a people who have kept their heritage alive against all odds.
In exploring this remarkable story, we honor not only the Gullah people but all those who have fought to preserve their cultural identities in the face of adversity. As we look to the future, let us remember the lessons of the past and continue to celebrate and preserve the rich cultural tapestries that make our world so vibrant and diverse. F&W
TIGERS ON THE ZAMBEZI
BY BRIAN SMITH
I was trying to balance on the front platform of the 17foot bass boat with the waters of the great Zambezi River flowing underneath as we drifted with the current I had just finished another strip retrieve and lifted my 8-weight rod to do a water haul to load the rod and cast back up river to complete another drift
The big Clouser Minnow hit the water as I lowered the rod tip to let it sink and start another drift Just as I was midway through the drift I felt a slight tug, so I lifted the rod to give it a quick jerk and then things started to get interesting.
My line started moving very quickly up river, and Vincent my guide, told me to strike again, then again.I had a Tiger on the line and these toothy critters have very hard mouths and you must drive the hook home on the set.
They have chemically sharpened ends and I had it tied to a wire leader Months before I spent my evenings tying different variations of Clousers, Deceivers, and Brush flies in anticipation of this trip This one was tied with red and black bucktail
The big fish made a good run and I thought he may not stop until he was to the Congo, however he did slow down before we got down to the backing and started to try to work him back towards the boat
We played this game for 20 minutes as we watched the big fish go airborne on several occasions about 40 yards from the boat. Every time I got him up within sight, close to the boat, he would make another run.
These fish take a while to wear down. Eventually I worked him towards the front end of the boat where Vincent was able to work the net under this beautiful fish and haul him onto the boat. The African Tiger fish is a clean looking fish with vertical striping that reminds me of the striped bass in our fisheries back home.
They have a large mouth like most species of bass with rows of sharp conical teeth that are fairly spaced apart that give it a very menacing look. The tail and fins are a bright red/orange color. It truly is a very attractive looking fish that looks as though it could easily take off a few fingers in one bite. I had hauled in quite a trophy, this was a 13.5-pound fish; many people fish for these critters their whole lives and do not catch one this large and this was my first Tiger fish I had ever seen in person.
The day before we had a long drive from the Eastern side of Zambia in the Luwanga Valley where we had been hunting Buffalo The Matoya Lodge, where we were fishing, was on the far Western side of the country, formerly known as Northern Rhodesia, in the Barotse flood plains of the Zambezi river
We overnighted in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, then continued the journey to the fishing lodge. Matoya Lodge is in a very remote area that is difficult to gain access to. The last 30 minutes we traveled by boat up the river to the lodge. The lodge was set up very nicely with generators, thatched huts, a nice bar area and swimming pool.
It was quite relaxing once we arrived; however the drive from Eastern Zambia was quite the ordeal. There were times where I doubted our ability to navigate what they called roads. I would describe them as roughly cut trails that were badly rutted from the rainy season.
We had flown into the hunting area from Lusaka on a charter plane which had tossed us around a good bit in the afternoon thermals prior to landing on the small dirt strip. I shared the charter with another hunter that was flying out of camp at the same time.
Since no one else was coming in we decided to hire a driver and Land Cruiser to take us back to Lusaka and then on to the lodge the next morning Somewhere along the ride I swore I would pay any price for that little charter plane to pick us up from where we were; oh well, you live and you learn A word to the wise, take the flight, do not drive across Zambia F&W
Hunter's Journal Expedition Crocodile in Zambia
BY CHARLES REEDY
This entry into the Feathers & Whiskey Magazine is a bit different in format The text was taken directly from the hunter’s Safari journal during his quest for a Nile crocodile with Strang Middleton in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley We join the hunt on day two!
DAY 2 - LOOKING FOR SOME PLAINS GAME FOR MIKE
Our day begins with breakfast at 6 am, then we are off to look for puku, kudu, warthog, and bushbuck Nothing worth pursuing, so we go to start setting some croc baits. We set upstream from the camp on a bluff, looking down at a piece of sandbar about 40 yards away It took about 1 hour for crocs to come in and another 30 min or so for one to start feeding. Eventually, about 10 of them were on bait, a pretty cool thing to witness. The death rolls and raw power of these things is frightening
Nothing worth shooting on bait, so we heard in for lunch about 1 pm Then back out after Plains Game We get on a puku, but no luck. We then head to the area on the concession where the kudu frequent. I spot a few kudu late in the day, about 4:45 Our professional hunter Strang says it is a good bull for Mike to take and it turns out the Kudu bull is a fine old bull with well-worn horns and scars from narrow escapes from lions. Back to camp for a lovely evening and dinner Some of the hippo have made it to the appetizer menus as fried fritters, pretty darn tasty!!
DAY 3 - BUFFALO TIME FOR MIKE
Up really early today so we can be where we need to be by daybreak which is about 5:45, so we were up at 4 and left camp by 4:45. This concession area is a mixture of open grasslands, thick brush, and a mix of the two, along with long grass straight out of the book Death in the Long Grass! We see a group of Cooksons Wildebeest first thing, pretty cool to see! Then we see a lone Elephant bull just meandering without a care in the world, another incredible sight!
We get on the fresh buff tracks about 6:45, then it’ s on We eventually catch up enough to see the dust in the air from where they have been. Slowly we solider on and get within a hundred yards of them, where they are getting ready to bed down in the before mentioned long grass When I say long grass, I mean like 10-15 foot tall stuff you can ’t see through! This is Mike’ s number 1 target on this trip. This is the part where one of the trackers, the ranger, and I hold back, and the others go in pursuit
The buff bump and scatter in 2 directions, again we can ’t see them, but by the sounds of it, there must be around 100 or more head. We go in pursuit of one of the groups and circle around the edge of the long grass. Again three of us hold back, and the other 3 move on I can see them on the sticks, and hear buff all around! They move again and get on sticks; at this point, more buff start going in every direction. This is where it gets hair-raising for me Not 10 yards in front of me, I hear buff and get the sense they are coming out in our direction.
Some scamper off, and then I hear more that I am sure are coming right out in front of us. .375 up and ready, scope turned all the way down, and praying that nothing happens! You talk about eye-opening!! Luckily they move on, and so do we. Back after them for another hour or so until we catch up. Mike is back on the sticks and is able to seal the deal with a nice old buffalo with horns that show lots of character.
DAY 3 - AFTER THE BUFFALO
In the afternoon we go and bait a new site for crocs Nothing came in big enough so we call it a night! Nice evening in camp, more hippo tonight in the form of curry, man it was tasty. I was skeptical about hippo, but it is honestly some of the best meat I’ ve ever had We had it two more times in the coming days in different forms!
DAY 4 -CROC BAITS
We start out the day with a river drive looking for bushbuck. Seeing quite a few females and young males, along with one ram who had about 2-3 years to go There is a big ram in the skinning shed from the last hunt, which Strang thinks is the big ram he had pegged when he was last in the concession. No luck on puku or warthog wither today
We then head back to one of the croc blinds we have made in the past two days Put a smaller piece of fresh bait back out. No luck on any big guys showing up. But along the way to the blind, we spot 2 big ones in the river, and one of the camp staff has spotted one the other way from camp in the past day or two
We make a plan to build a new blind on a bluff overlooking a sandbar where two of the bigger guys have been spotted, then head back in around 5:30. This blind is one where we will sneak up through the woods/scrub and walk staring into it Two shooting holes have been constructed as well The plan will be to sneak up in the morning once the sun is good and out, catch one or both of them on this sandbar, slowly ease up to standing, ease the rifle out, calm down, then take one!
DAY 5 - A PUKU TO START AND A CROC TO FINISH
Start off the morning looking for a puku for Mike Travel about 45 minutes to an area they frequent We quickly get on a group and start the pursuit, and Mike is able to take a nice old Puku ram. . Later in the morning, we head to the croc blind we assembled late in the afternoon the day prior to look for Jaws as our professional hunter Strang likes to call crocs.
We stop about 1000 yards away on the road that runs along the river and can see 2 good crocs where we hoped they would be! So we duck off into the woods to try to remain unseen to get to the blind We sneak up the last 50 yards or so, and one bolts of the sandbar, the other remains. We ease up to the blind and sit on our butts. Strang sees the other duck off the bank Dang, is our chance now gone? These things are wily for sure He says just be calm, and they will get back out of the water.
Sure enough, about 10 minutes later, one comes back out. Strang can see the other one from his vantage point; he says it’ s the bigger of the two, but by bigger, I mean fatter around; they are both about the same length After about 5 minutes, the croc is comfortable, the wind is good, and he starts to open his mouth. We ease to our standing positions to get a better look
I have since gone through 2-3 cycles of being ridiculously excited/nervous and back to quiet calm while looking over the croc All this time, however, I have been able to look at him through the scope and can clearly see the spot on his neck that I need to aim for Strang and I have talked about this a few times this week about where to shoot, reload, and be ready immediately. Also, I have asked him to be prepared for insurance if my shot doesn’t anchor him.
After 5-10 minutes, Strang has had a chance to look him over He says he has a big head, just not quite as big body-wise as the other lurking close by in the water. I ask him if this is a pretty good one for this area, he says yes and will probably go 12 feet. We had previously talked about the crocs in this area, and the fact that an 1111 5 footer is suitable for this area; anything above is gravy He judges this on at 12’ plus He said we can wait to see if the other one comes out, or try to sit on bait again this afternoon To this point in the hunt, we have not had any of the big boys come to dine on the baits.
All that info in my head, I make the call that if Strang is happy with him then I will be I say let’ s take him! Ok, now back to a racing heartbeat! The croc is completely calm, and the wind is still in our favor, so don’t be stupid and make any noise or rush yourself. Calm down for a minute!! Strang also tells me to relax and catch my breath. I really appreciate a good PH who also talks you through things and reminds you to not shoot until your calm
He readies his rifle, I ready mine, he says when your ready take him One more series of breathing in and out, in and out, third time it’ s a go…… I take aim for the center of the neck between the smile and where the shoulder area starts. Squeeze the trigger of the .375, bang, get him back in the scope asap…. Not moving! What happened? Strang says good shot! The croc is not moving one bit, no tail flutter, no thrashing, nothing.
I am one who wants to make sure of insurance shots on something like this, especially with the fear of losing a croc to the river. He says, take another neck shot, so I do. Again no movement. I want to be sure, and I ask Strang if we need to shoot in the heart or lungs.
The croc is done, but I imagine Strang wants to appease my mind, so he instructs me on where to shoot the croc in the lungs, take steady aim and squeeze another good hit! No movement; my mind is finally at ease!!! This is perhaps the most nervous I’ ve ever been on a hunt simply due to the fact of not making a great shot and potentially losing him So happy I was able to get my breathing in control, take steady aim, make a good shot, and anchor him first shot.
Now for the recovery, which is interesting, to say the least. Where he’ s at, we have to go about 800 yards downstream where the bluff flattens out to meet the river. When we get down, there is a series of small sandbars intermingled with a deep channel here and there, along with several shallow channels The tracker (Jason, Darryson, and Obvi) must wade through the river some 500 yards plus a rope to retrieve the beast!!!!
At this point, I am very concerned for obvious reasons. These guys have done this before, I’ m assuming at least a few times, because nobody really pitched a fit or argued about having to do it So they go in, and one of them has a stick to measure depth along the way and begin to find the shallowest areas to walk through.
After the pictures were taken and a round of handshakes and thanks, it was a team effort to move this prehistoric relic seventy-five yards across very loose sand and up the steep river bank to the waiting truck. Then it was back to the lodge for drinks and food F&W
R e b e k a h K n i g h t
BY MICHAEL MAYNOR
If you are an enthusiast of sporting or wildlife art, you likely know Rebekah Knight If not, let me introduce you to this talented artist from Missouri. I've had the pleasure of knowing Rebekah for several years. Beyond her artistic skills, she is deeply passionate about wildlife and its conservation. Recently, she found a break in her busy painting and travel schedule and kindly granted me some time for an interview.
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY YOU HAVE OF EXPRESSING YOUR ARTISTIC TALENT?
My earliest memory of creating art goes back to my toddler years, when my favorite thing to do was color and play with Playdough Throughout most of my childhood being homeschooled, I spent much of my free time drawing pictures of animals; mostly horses
WHAT MEDIUMS DO YOU CURRENTLY WORK IN?
I currently work primarily in oils for my larger pieces, and I like to sketch and do smaller studies with various mediums including graphite, pen, charcoal, scratchboard, and watercolor.
WHO IS YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE IN ART?
Oh man, that is a loaded question I’ve had a lot of influences In my earlier art years, my biggest influences were wildlife artists who were well-known in the Waterfowl art community, such as the Hautman brothers, Scot Storm and Richard Clifton As I’ve progressed and made more connections, I’ve gotten to know so many great artists One that has greatly influenced my work is Dustin Van Wechel I’ve had the privilege of attending one of his workshops and it was a pivotal point in the way I approach oil painting Another huge influence is, of course, Robert Bateman His compositions are unmatched John Banovich, Greg Beecham and Jan Martin McGuire are a few others I can’t leave out My more recent sketch and line work of various mediums have been influenced by artists like Manu Carrasco, J A W cooper, and Peter Han
WHERE DOES YOUR INSPIRATION COME FROM?
Another loaded question! In addition to the influential artists I just mentioned, my inspiration primarily comes from observing animals and how they behave and interact in their natural habitat It’s soothing to the eyes and mind to look at the infinite colors and textures of nature, and I want to bring that into my paintings I also draw a lot of inspiration from visiting galleries and studying great pieces of art in person It always fuels my desire to go create art right away
ARE MOST OF YOUR WORK INSPIRED OR COMMISSIONED?
Most of my work is inspired I used to spend a lot of time over-working myself with commissions of subjects and compositions other people wanted, and it began to burn me out. These days I only work in a few commissions per year of my own compositions (the client may choose the size and subject) All of my other work is either an entry for a competition or purely based on inspiration and the feeling of urgency to paint it
“Switchback”
11x14 oil
"Zebra Cake" 12x16 oil on board
WHAT PART DOES TRAVEL AND PHOTOGRAPHY PLAY IN YOUR ART
That is another big question, but on the surface, its a circle I do my art so that I can travel and get the reference photos that I need for the animals that I paint Then, painting the animals allows me the ability to travel more and have those incredible experiences photographing wildlife More importantly, going and observing animals in the wild helps me reflect the tiny nuances and details that hopefully bring them to life on canvas
TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS ON HUNTING AND WHETHER OR NOT THIS HAS AFFECTED YOUR WORK?
I am a hunter and I fully support hunting I grew up in the outdoors and was introduced at an early age to the realities of the circle of life I remember watching my dad gut a deer when I was very little and later killed my own For me, the kill is only one chapter of the story Hunting is so much more than killing an animal It’s the entire process from listening to the woods wake up to serving the harvest at supper It’s not just observing nature but participating in it. I gain much more understanding of an animal’s behavior when I interact with it Many seasoned hunters can tell you far more about an animal than any nature book Of course pulling the trigger is a very humbling moment and there is a sense of sorrow for that animal, but also an overwhelming sense of gratitude Hunting causes me to want to celebrate and honor these animals even more through my art
“Cape Buffalo” 11x14 oil on linen
IN YOUR OWN WORDS WHAT MAKES ART IMPORTANT IN OUR CULTURE?
Art, in general, is a visual (or audible) expression of an individual It’s a universal language that connects all of us as humans. Art conveys a message in a way that words cannot. It evokes emotions. It communicates. Within our American culture, there are many different sub-cultures, and art is a big part of what distinguishes one culture from another Dance, music, and fashion are all forms of art that unite and connect people who have common ground I think it’s very important to have those subconscious forms of communication to keep us connected My art is my way of communicating the way I see nature and animals, which I try to make very true to reality I think it’s really important for people to have a realistic connection to our natural world too
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PRINT OR PROJECT FROM YOUR COLLECTION?
I always try to make my latest piece my new favorite, but it doesn’t always happen Some pieces turn out much more satisfying to me than others One-piece I am particularly proud of was a commission of two Dall sheep that I titled “Finest of the Frontier ” What I love about the piece is that it takes me back to Alaska to the time that I photographed them, which was a big highlight in my life I am also quite happy with the composition Although I like some pieces more than others, I never call a piece done until I am very happy with it
Rebekah with Oryx hunted in Namibia
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE FOR YOU OUTSIDE OF THE STUDIO?
I work part-time as a substitute rural mail carrier for USPS and my husband Olen is a full-time rural carrier My schedule is fairly random since I am always on call, but it works out nicely for me I don’t paint full time yet but I do spend most of my time working on art When I’m not doing that or housekeeping, I like to go on walks in the woods, ride my horse, read or sketch (and let’s be honest, social media takes up more of my time than I’d like) I’ve spent a lot of time traveling from Alaska to Africa to photograph wildlife, and at any given moment I am looking up airfare or lodging for my next dream trip F&W
"Sable Siesta" 8x10
"Plains Zebra Portrait" 8x10 oil on board
F I R E A R M S
The Southerner’s Guide to Safari
BY DOUG PELTON
Hunting this big Nyala bull was a dream come true for me. We spotted him and another bull about 500-600 yards away while they were sparring with each other. We then drove another 1/2 mile or so away and got down wind and made a plan. We approached to within about 300 yards easily as we had some tree and bush cover between us and them. The wind was in or face and we were quite confident in our stalk. The last 150 yards were a slow, low walk and the last 50 or so yards was done on hands and knees through the grass.
We made it to about 60 yards and I could hear their horns crash together as the PH set up the sticks. The two bulls were more aggressive now than when we first spotted them. I could catch glimpse of them pushing one another around through the tops of the grass and between wiping the stinging sweat out of my eyes!
We were on our knees watching them and I was thinking, “I wish I had not worn shorts today” as my knees were both bleeding and aching
The PH eased the shooting sticks up and in to position ever so slowly He whispered, “stand and take the one on the right ” As I rose up to cradle the old Winchester on top of the sticks, they stopped fighting and stared directly at me, looking more agitated that I interrupted their session than scared. The position felt very comfortable and familiar to me. As they turned to face me the PH hissed, “take him”… I centered the crosshairs on the big bull’s chest and gently squeezed the trigger. At the roar of the old 300 H&H, he went down without so much as a kick.
His friend however was not done fighting and never moved. Not at all impressed with me, He stood, waiting for his adversary to awaken from his rifle induced slumber About ten minutes later, the angry bull walked off about 75 yards but hung around for a good 15 minutes and I decided to leave the rifle loaded just in case as he continued to stare at me with disgust! He finally went on about his business and I took a few deep breaths My PH slapped me on the back and said, “great shot mate, great shot.” Laughing. The fact is, I’ve practiced that shot over and over again. I practiced at home with the rifles that I planned to take to Africa with the loads I would use and the shooting sticks that my PH uses.
This shot was just like any other I had taken on my home range in South Carolina The only difference being is now, a beautiful spiral horned trophy was waiting for me in the grass When traveling to Africa, you have the choice of bringing your own firearms or renting a camp rifle and purchasing ammunition. I get the question all the time, “Isn’t it a pain to travel with a rifle?” The quick answer is no, it absolutely is not. They're a few extra steps involved and we will get in to that. Personally, when I have thousands of dollars of trophy fees on the line, I want my rife. I’m confident that its accurate, dependable and familiar Let’s talk about bringing “old reliable” with you
The Author with his Nyala.
Preparing for the Hunt
Traveling with Firearms
When traveling to Africa, you have the choice of bringing your own firearms or renting a camp rifle and purchasing ammunition. I get the question all the time, “Isn’t it a pain to travel with a rifle?” The quick answer is no, it absolutely is not.
There are a few extra steps involved, and we will get into that. Personally, when I have thousands of dollars of trophy fees on the line, I want my rifle. I’m confident that it’s accurate, dependable, and familiar. Lets talk about bringing “Old Reliable” with you!
“Old
Reliable” - A 1951 Winchester Model 70
Years ago, when I was planning my very first trip to South Africa, I asked my future PH what rifle would be appropriate. I had hoped for a rational reason to buy a new rifle. Instead, what I got was as follows:
“Do you do much deer hunting down south where you live?” asked the PH.
I smiled and replied, “Oh, a little bit.”
He then asked, “What do you hunt with?”
“Well,” I said, “mostly my .30-06.”
“Ah, how do you shoot that ‘06?” he asked.
“Very well, I’ve been shooting it for years, ” I told him.
“That’s the rifle then!”
Calibers
Most African outfitters will recommend a 30 caliber rifle with the .308, .30-06, and .300 magnum of different flavors being their favorite rifles to see coming out of the case. These are all solid, hardhitting choices that will anchor most African antelope varieties.
If you want the nostalgia of hunting with granddaddy’s old .30-06 or daddy’s 7mm Magnum, you ’ ve made a perfect choice. If eland is on the menu, I would look hard at the .300s and .338s, though. He can weigh over 1,700 pounds, and he deserves to be dispatched properly.
If you plan on taking smaller antelope species such as impala or springbok and have a favorite .270 Winchester, .275 Rigby (7x57), or 6.5, by all means, consult with your outfitter. They know best. Remember, your outfitter/PH has a vested interest in your success. If they advise you against the lighter calibers, they are doing it from a position of experience Don’t guide the guide
Bullets
Africa is no place to try and save a few bucks on ammunition. As the advertisement for a popular premium brand says, “The bullet. The least expensive, most important part of your hunt. It’s the only contact you have with the animal.” This statement could not be more true.
From plains game to thick-skinned, heavy-boned dangerous game, the African game is always “ on ” and seems to be able to absorb more trauma than North American game.
Premium bullets in traditional lead core and copper are both good choices There are too many great choices to list them all here, but some of the best in the business that I have had personal experience with are:
Swift Bullet Company: Their A-Frame is recommended by professionals across the continent. The bonded core bullet creates a devastating wound channel and penetrates deeply with its controlled expansion. Weight retention claims of 95% are advertised
Nosler: The last six of eight plains game animals shot by yours truly fell to a 180-grain 30-06 partition The other two were anchored with 180-grain Accubonds delivered from a 300 Holland and Holland Magnum Including a very large blue wildebeest that is deep into the SCI gold territory. I’ve witnessed the performance of the partition over and over, and I’m always impressed. Why mess with success?
Barnes Bullets: The Barnes TSX and TTSX, given this list, would be relative newcomers The all-copper bullet delivers accuracy and is not deterred by bone or thick skin. The Tipped TSX has a polymer tip that both boosts its ballistic coefficient and initiates expansion. This bullet is another favorite that delivers absolutely devastating performance
Rhino Bullets Solid Shank: Rhino is a South African manufacturer of high-quality bullets I know quite a few professional hunters that love this bullet for plains game and dangerous game as well. It can be difficult to source in the USA but deserves mention given its reputation for performance.
Getting Your Firearm to Africa
Protecting Your Rifle
Whether you plan to take the latest carbon fiber .300 PRC or Grandpa’s pre-64 Winchester .30-06, or anything in between, you want to protect that rifle the best way possible Rifles and optics represent significant financial investments and, in many cases, there is sentimental value that you can’t put a price tag on This is where a high-quality hard case comes into play. Baggage handlers are about as gentle as an angry black rhino.
There are several high-quality, durable cases on the market today. I personally use a Pelican V800 Vault double rifle case. This case has been around the world a few times with me and several trips around the United States and, other than being banged and scratched up, is no worse for wear.
The most important document needed is the form 4457 from your local U.S. Customs and Border Protection office The form 4457 is the certificate of registration for personal effects taken abroad Many will define this as needed for export. This is absolutely false. You do not need any sort of paperwork to leave the country.
However, this is the sole document that proves that you are the owner of this item and that you are bringing it back into the USA after traveling with it abroad. The 4457 proves ownership upon your return to the U.S. Keep this document in a safe place; this is your ticket to get your rifles back home. I can’t stress this enough.
Arriving in Johannesburg
You will clear passport control and proceed to baggage claim for your luggage. Then, as you exit the secure area into the great hall, you’ll make your way to your right and proceed to the S.A.P.S. Office to gather your gun case. There are several businesses that offer services to get your rifle permits preapproved, and this generally expedites the process.
It is not mandatory, but you should remember that you are no longer in America, and the government is incredibly corrupt, including the police I know many who have made it through the process without delay, but I also know many stories of being made to wait for hours only to have issues resolved with S.A.P.S. with American cash. Beware.
Using a rifle permitting service will include a company representative meeting you in the great hall and escorting you to the S.A.P.S. Office. There, they will direct you to a table where you will open your rifle case for the officer They will check the serial numbers to ensure they match with the preapproved permits. A signature later, and you are on your way.
Keep your permit documents in a safe place while there. You will need to provide S.A.P.S. with your permits upon exiting the country. If you are overnighting at a lodge such as Africa Sky or Afton, etc., they can provide this service for you.
Practice, Practice, Practice
There is no bench in the bush All of your shots will be off shooting sticks, off-hand, prone, and in some cases, off your PH’s shoulder. Be prepared for this.
As mentioned in the beginning of this article, I had practiced that shot on my Nyala again and again at home off the exact same shooting sticks my PH used.
The only difference was that I was shooting paper or steel in the famous South Carolina heat and humidity. I was confident in my rifle, I was confident in the sticks and my ability to adjust them quickly and easily
Use Shooting Sticks!
Shooting sticks come in many varieties including monopod, bipod, tripod, and tripods with a stock support. Ask your PH what he prefers to use and get a set to practice with. If he uses homemade sticks, get a set that’s packable and take yours with you. Sticks from companies like African Sporting Creations, BOG Hunt, Primos, and Allen all produce shooting sticks that will get you steady. I own sticks from African Sporting Creations, Primos, and BOG.
Why? My PH in South Africa uses Primos Trigger Sticks, and my PH in Zimbabwe prefers African Sporting Creations I practice off the sticks I’ll be using when visiting. All three of these are of great quality and each will serve you well.
The ASC and the Primos product are my preference given the ease of height adjustment. The Trigger Sticks, as the name suggests, have a “trigger” that releases the locking mechanism to allow quick, silent height adjustment with one hand. The only drawback would be the metal construction. While it’s durable, they can be noisy as you slip through the bush Making a very inorganic sound such as metal bumping a rock at the wrong time could cost you the trophy of a lifetime However, this has never happened to me
The African Sporting Creations stick set up quickly and are also easy to adjust. They are made of either American hardwood with exotic wood offered as an option. Having said that, the ASC and the Primos product are my preference given the ease of height adjustment.
Lastly is to hone your practice routine. Shoot at targets of varying distance both freehand and off your sticks. Although you may feel awkward using a set of shooting sticks initially, you’ll learn to love them. Once you find the position you are most comfortable in, you’ll see your accuracy increase and that is an immense confidence builder.
I generally pack a backpack and take a brisk 20 minute hike with my rifle to get my heart rate elevated and start shooting at targets as soon as I am back to the range. I put targets at 50, 100 and 150 yards shoot from various positions.
The heat of a southern summer day will help emulate what you’ll be faced with in South Africa in the early season.
So, follow these few pieces of advice, pack that rifle and go get after it. You’ll be happy you did. There is nothing like taking African game with your favorite rifle and making memories that last a lifetime. F&W
Travel Agents
Traveling on hunting trips with firearms can be a complex process due to various regulations and logistical challenges. Working with a travel agent who has experience with sportsmen and women ensures that your firearms are transported safely and in compliance with all legal requirements.
These specialized agents understand the nuances of international and domestic firearm laws, and they can navigate airline policies, customs procedures, and secure transportation methods. By leveraging their expertise, you can focus on the excitement of your hunting adventure, confident that your equipment will arrive safely and without hassle.
Ruark On Hemingway
“But phony, Hemingway was not, and poseur he was not. He did not shoot lions and leopards because he was searching for the answer to life. He shot lions and leopards because he bloody well liked to hunt and shoot, and killing was the best punctuation mark at the end of the intricate and fascinating process of hunting” - Robert Ruark
